The Fifth Wheel

One of the requirements of camp hosting is, of course, a recreational vehicle.  Most of the camp host web sites strongly recommend that the more self-contained your RV, the better your selection of camp hosting opportunities.

In 2004 we bought a ¾ ton truck with the intention that when we retired it would pull our fifth-wheel trailer to all these exotic spots where we’ll work and play.  We went to a Recreational Vehicle Show and toured dozens of models.

My favorite at the time was the one with the large picture windows out the back, and twin recliners that would face outside.  Paul thought this was terribly impractical.  He liked the model with extra sleeping and storage room at the back.  That way, he reasoned, we could have the grandkids come stay with us.  (Note to my readers – as of this writing we still have no grandkids.)

Another option that has been added to our list of considerations is a "toy hauler."  This fifth-wheel has a tailgate that comes all the way down, allowing you to drive your toys (we’re considering purchasing an ATV and a scooter) into the trailer.  The living space is at the front.  This may be a necessary compromise to ensure we’re able to get around within the campground, but as my friend Diane told me, “with the tailgate down you still have the picture window.”